Also known as Rose · 17k saves
Rosa
Rosa, the genus most gardeners know as rose. We track 330 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 24 most-saved Rosa varieties
See all 330 Rosa varieties →Search this genus →
24 species of Rosa
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Rosa in Sow
Save the Rosa you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Rosa
Whats common across all Rosa varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 40 most-grown of them.
The Rosa year
- PruneMarch100% of varieties
Major pruning in late winter: remove dead wood and cut canes back by 1/3.
- FertilizeApril, June and August100% of varieties
Apply balanced rose fertilizer every 6-8 weeks during active growth.
- Check for PestsMay–August78% of varieties
Monitor for aphids, Japanese beetles, and signs of black spot disease.
- DeadheadJune–October75% of varieties
Remove spent blooms above a 5-leaflet leaf to promote continuous flowering.
- MulchApril57% of varieties
Refresh mulch in spring; mound soil or compost around the base for winter.
- Winter PrepNovember and December30% of varieties
Mound soil or mulch 10-12 inches high around the base for protection
Do
- Water deeply once a week 🌱
- Water deeply at the base to avoid fungal diseases 🌱
- Mulch to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature
- Water deeply once a week during dry periods 🌱
- Water deeply once a week during dry spells 🌱
Avoid
- Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues ❌
- Overwater to avoid root rot ❌
- Avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot ❌
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
What goes wrong with Rosa
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Clusters of small insects on new growth | Use insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Japanese Beetles | Chewed leaves and skeletonized foliage | Handpick or apply appropriate insecticides |
| Japanese beetles | Chewed leaves and flowers | Handpick or use appropriate insecticides |
| Spider Mites | Fine webbing and speckled leaves | Increase humidity and use insecticidal soap |
| Black Spot | Black spots on leaves, yellowing | Apply fungicide and remove affected leaves |
| Powdery Mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Improve air circulation and use fungicide |
| Black spot | Black spots on leaves, leaf drop | Apply fungicide and ensure good air circulation |
Making more Rosa
Cuttings
- Select healthy, semi-hardwood stems in late summer
- Cut 6-8 inch sections with a sharp knife
- Remove lower leaves and dip in rooting hormone
- Plant in moist potting mix and keep in indirect light
- Mist regularly to maintain humidity
- Roots in approximately 6 weeks
Grafting
- Choose healthy rootstock and scion in early spring
- Make matching cuts and join scion to rootstock
- Secure with grafting tape
- Keep in a protected environment until established
Rosa questions
How many types of Rosa are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 330 distinct Rosa varieties. The most popular — ranked by 17k real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Rosa grow in?
Across its varieties, Rosa covers USDA Zones 4–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Rosa bloom?
Most Rosa varieties bloom in late spring to fall, early summer, late spring to fall. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Rosa should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.